To my future daughter,

I will be 20 in a few months, so it’d be safe to say I’m not planning on having kids in the immediate future, but I hope that there comes a day that you exist in my life. In my (almost) 20 years of life thus far, I would say that I have learned a decent amount. These are a few things that, if I could go back in time, I’d like to have learned sooner than I did:

If you are unhappy with something, change it. If you can’t change it, learn to accept it. This especially holds true when it comes to your body.

A simple ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ can go a long way.

Don’t compete with other girls. Compete with yourself. Be your best you; don’t determine your value based on someone else.

Bring more to the table than looks. There will always be someone prettier than you, so make sure you have more to offer than just your appearance.

When your friend group inevitably bashes your other friends that aren’t there at the time, don’t add to the conversation, and make sure you stick up for them when it’s warranted.

Being judgmental does not make you cool. You will never gain anything from judging others.

Own your mistakes when you have made them. Do not be stubborn. On the same note, forgive others. Life is too short to hold grudges.

Not everyone is going to love you. You can’t please everyone, and that’s okay.

Be independent. Look for a man, or woman, who will complement you, not complete you. You do not need to look for your other half, because you are not a half.

Don’t get in a car with a drunk driver. And do not be that driver. Under any circumstances.

Do not act dumb for attention. It’s not cute. If a boy finds it cute, he’s not the one you want.

Know that you can’t control everything. If something doesn’t go your way, try to be flexible. Breathe.

Participate in sports. For your physical health and to make friends, as well.

Your aunts and uncles are awesome. Utilize them when I’m annoying you.

Don’t opt for popularity. You don’t have to be friends with everybody. Quality over quantity.

Your mental health should always come first. No test, homework assignment, or score is more important than your mental health.

Buy your friends dinner when you can.

Change your mind. Then change it again. You owe no one an explanation; you are your own compass.

Don’t hang up the phone without saying “I love you”.

Don’t stay with a cheater, and don’t stay with a liar.

Prom will most likely not be the best night of your life, but try not to skip it.

High school years are overrated. What you worry about during those four years won’t even cross your mind after you graduate.

You are beautiful, smart, and worth it. Never forget it.

Love,
Your future mom